Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Dynamic incoming music director Gustavo Dudamel conducts the NY PHILHARMONIC, indicating riches to come

• By drediman
• March 16, 2025
• No Comments

This weekend at David Geffen Hall, I had the great pleasure of catching superstar conductor Gustavo Dudamel lead the New York Philharmonic. There’s much hype about the incoming music director’s arrival (the maestro officially takes the mantle next fall for the Philharmonic’s 2026/2027), and this week’s concerts — first and foremost a celebration of Ravel’s 150th Birthday — has given music fans a wonderful glimpse of the riches they can expect from his anticipated tenure. Dudamel has always been a dynamic conductor — watching him on the podium is a show unto itself — a show-stopping quality that catapulted the charismatic Venezuelan conductor into the spotlight at a relatively early age. Last night’s concert evidenced how well-rounded and insightful of a conductor he has become.

In a unique coups, the concert featured the world premiere of a piece written by a young Ravel when he was just a music conservatory student. Entitled Prélude et Danse de Sémiramis, the 5-minute piece was a short but delightful gift, indicating the kind of composer he would eventually amount to. Appropriately following were two sampler pieces that represent the French composer during his mature phase — the Mother Goose Suite and Suite No. 2 of Daphnis et Chloé, two well curated examples of Ravel’s unmatched talent for orchestration. In both, Dudamel effortlessly brought out the music’s full range of color and inherent drama without resorting to thoughtless histrionics. To be sure, these were well-balanced yet vibrant readings. His enchanting rendition of the Mother Goose fairy tales more than hinted at narrative and character, while Daphnis et Chloé was ravishing in its sweeping dance-like quality and detailed evocations of nature and romance.

Bookending these were two works that brought bustling city streetscapes to life. Beginning the evening was Amériques, composer Varèse’s musical depiction of the singularly busy streets of New York. It was a raucous opener that set the tone for the sonically vivid concert to come. Then closing the concert was Gershwin’s An American in Paris, in which Dudamel displayed his penchant for playful, jazzy verve. Suffice to say, it was a crowd-pleasing conclusion to a cohesive and smartly assembled evening. Together, these two pieces painted a captivating portrait of urban living during the early 20th century, the time when Ravel was reaching the peak of his artistry. Throughout the performance, as if to broadcast their excitement for the maestro’s arrival, the New York forces responded and played with uncommon sparkle and excitement.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC
Classical Music
David Geffen Hall
2 hours (with one intermission)
Through March 16